How Do You Do a Firmware Update on Arlo Camera A Step by Step Guide

Updating your Arlo camera’s firmware ensures peak performance, enhanced security, and access to the latest features—all in just minutes. Simply open the Arlo app, navigate to Device Settings > Firmware Update, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process seamlessly. No technical skills required—just a stable Wi-Fi connection and your smartphone.

Key Takeaways

• Check compatibility: Ensure your Arlo camera model supports the latest firmware version.
• Stable connection: Use a strong Wi-Fi signal to avoid update interruptions.
• Update via app: Navigate to Settings > My Devices > Firmware Update in the Arlo app.
• Keep powered: Maintain power throughout the update to prevent camera damage.
• Manual update: Download firmware from Arlo’s site if automatic update fails.
• Verify success: Confirm update completion in the app’s device settings.

Why Firmware Updates Matter for Your Arlo Camera

Imagine this: You’re at work, checking in on your home through your Arlo camera, when suddenly the feed freezes or the night vision stops working. Frustrating, right? I’ve been there, and it’s one of those moments that make you question whether smart tech is worth the hassle. But here’s the thing—most of these glitches aren’t flaws in the camera itself. They’re often just signs that your Arlo camera needs a firmware update.

Firmware is the built-in software that runs your camera. Think of it like your camera’s brain. Over time, Arlo releases firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance, add new features, and patch security vulnerabilities. Skipping these updates is like driving a car without regular oil changes—it might work for a while, but eventually, things start to break down. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, or the basic Arlo Q, keeping your firmware up to date ensures your camera runs smoothly, securely, and reliably.

How Do You Do a Firmware Update on Arlo Camera: The Basics

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do you do a firmware update on Arlo camera?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions Arlo users ask. The good news? It’s easier than you might think. Most updates happen automatically, but sometimes you need to take a few manual steps, especially if your camera hasn’t been connected for a while or if you’ve just unboxed a new unit.

What Is Firmware, and Why Update It?

Firmware is the low-level software that controls your camera’s hardware. Unlike apps you download from the App Store, firmware is embedded directly into the device. When Arlo pushes a new firmware version, it might include:

• Bug fixes for motion detection delays
• Improvements in battery life (for wireless models)
• Enhanced video quality or audio clarity
• Security patches to prevent hacking
• Compatibility with new Arlo features or third-party integrations

For example, in 2023, Arlo released a firmware update for the Arlo Pro 4 that improved Wi-Fi stability and reduced false motion alerts. Users reported fewer “ghost notifications” after the update. That’s the power of firmware—small changes, big results.

When Should You Update?

Ideally, you should let your camera update automatically. But if you notice any of these signs, it’s time to check for an update manually:

• The camera is slow to respond in the app
• Live feed lags or buffers frequently
• Motion detection is inconsistent
• Night vision flickers or fails
• You’ve had connectivity issues with your base station

Pro tip: Set a monthly reminder to check for updates. I do this on the first Sunday of every month. It takes less than 5 minutes and keeps my system running like new.

Preparing for the Update: What You Need to Know

Before you start the update process, a little prep goes a long way. You don’t want to be halfway through an update when your camera loses power or Wi-Fi—this can cause permanent damage or require a factory reset.

Check Your Internet Connection

Your Arlo camera needs a stable, high-speed Wi-Fi connection to download the firmware file. The update can be several megabytes, so a weak signal will cause the process to fail or take forever.

• Test your Wi-Fi speed near the camera. I use the Speedtest app by Ookla.
• If the signal is weak, move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
• For Arlo cameras connected via a base station (like Arlo Pro 3), ensure the base station has a strong Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to your router.

One user shared with me that their update failed three times because their camera was in the garage, 30 feet from the router. They added a $20 Wi-Fi extender, and the next update took just 2 minutes.

Ensure Adequate Power

For wired cameras (like Arlo Q or Arlo Essential Wired), make sure they’re plugged in and powered.

For wireless or battery-powered models (Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential Wireless), ensure the battery is at least 50% charged. I’ve seen updates fail when the battery drops below 20%. If you’re using a solar panel, make sure it’s receiving sunlight or charge the battery indoors first.

Close Other Apps and Devices

While not mandatory, it helps to reduce network congestion. Close video streaming apps, game consoles, or smart TVs that might be hogging bandwidth. Think of it like clearing the road before a delivery truck arrives—your camera needs a clear path to download the update.

Bonus tip: If you have multiple Arlo cameras, update them one at a time. Updating all at once can overload your network and cause failures.

Step-by-Step: Updating Firmware via the Arlo App

Now we’re getting to the heart of it: How do you do a firmware update on Arlo camera using the official app? The Arlo app (available on iOS and Android) is the most reliable way to manage updates. Here’s how it works, step by step.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Arlo app. Outdated apps can’t communicate with newer firmware versions. Go to your device’s app store and check for updates.

Log in with your Arlo account. If you use two-factor authentication (which I highly recommend), have your phone or authenticator app ready.

Step 2: Navigate to the Camera or Base Station

From the home screen, tap on the camera or base station you want to update. If you have multiple devices, select the one with the oldest firmware (you can check this later).

Step 3: Check for Available Updates

Tap the gear icon (settings) in the top right. Look for “Device Info” or “Firmware”. If an update is available, you’ll see a message like “Update Available” or “New Firmware Ready.”

If no update appears, tap “Check for Update”. The app will ping Arlo’s servers to see if a newer version exists.

Example: I recently updated my Arlo Pro 3. The app showed: “Firmware Version: 1.2.10 → 1.3.5. Update Available.”

Step 4: Start the Update

Tap “Update Now”. The app will download the firmware and send it to your camera. This usually takes 2–5 minutes, depending on your internet speed.

During the update:

• The camera’s LED will flash blue or white (check your model’s manual for exact colors).
• The live feed will go black or show “Connecting…”
• Do NOT power off the camera or close the app.

Once the download finishes, the camera will reboot automatically. This takes another 1–2 minutes. When it’s done, the LED will turn solid, and the feed will return.

Step 5: Confirm the Update

After the camera restarts, go back to Device Info > Firmware and verify the new version number matches what was listed in the update notification.

If it shows the old version, the update may have failed. Try again or check the troubleshooting section below.

Alternative Methods: Updating via Web Portal and Base Station

Not everyone uses the Arlo app. Some prefer the web portal, especially for managing multiple cameras or base stations. Here’s how to update firmware using other methods.

Updating via Arlo Web Portal (arlo.netgear.com)

The Arlo web portal offers more control, especially for advanced users or businesses with 10+ cameras.

1. Go to arlo.netgear.com and log in.
2. Click on the camera or base station from the dashboard.
3. Click the “Settings” (gear) icon.
4. Select “Device Info”.
5. Click “Check for Update”.
6. If available, click “Update Now”.

The process is nearly identical to the app, but the interface is more detailed. You can also see firmware history and update logs—useful for IT teams managing Arlo systems.

Updating via Arlo Base Station (Pro Series)

For Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Ultra cameras, the base station often receives updates before individual cameras. The base station then pushes the update to connected cameras.

To update the base station:

1. Log into the Arlo app or web portal.
2. Select the base station (not a camera).
3. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware.
4. Click “Check for Update”.
5. Install the update.

Once the base station updates, it will automatically push the new firmware to all connected cameras—usually within 24 hours. You can speed this up by restarting the base station (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in).

Real-life example: My Arlo Pro 3 base station updated overnight. The next morning, both my front and back cameras were running the new firmware without me lifting a finger. That’s the beauty of base station updates!

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Even with the best prep, things can go wrong. Here are the most common firmware update problems—and how to fix them.

Update Fails or Stalls

If the update gets stuck at 50% or fails with an error message:

• Restart the camera: Power it off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
• Restart your router: A fresh network connection often resolves download issues.
• Move the camera closer to the router: Especially for wireless models.
• Check for app updates: An outdated Arlo app can’t install new firmware.

I once had an update fail because my router’s firewall was blocking Arlo’s update server. Adding an exception fixed it in minutes.

Camera Won’t Reboot After Update

If the camera stays stuck on a flashing LED or black screen:

1. Unplug the camera (or remove the battery).
2. Wait 60 seconds.
3. Plug it back in or reinsert the battery.
4. If it still doesn’t start, perform a soft reset (press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds).

If the issue persists, you may need to factory reset the camera. This erases all settings, so only do it as a last resort.

“No Update Available” But You Know One Exists

Sometimes Arlo rolls out updates in stages. If your neighbor has the new firmware but you don’t:

• Wait 24–48 hours. Arlo often releases updates in waves.
• Contact Arlo Support. They can manually push an update to your device.
• Check your region. Some features (like AI detection) are rolled out by country.

One user in Canada told me their Arlo Ultra didn’t get the 2023 AI update for two weeks after users in the U.S. did. Patience is key.

Data Table: Common Arlo Firmware Update Issues and Fixes

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Update fails repeatedly	Weak Wi-Fi signal	Move camera closer to router or use Wi-Fi extender
Camera won’t reboot	Corrupted firmware download	Soft reset or factory reset
No update available	Staged rollout or region delay	Wait 48 hours or contact Arlo Support
Update takes over 10 minutes	Slow internet or network congestion	Close other apps, restart router
LED stays flashing red	Update failed mid-process	Power cycle the camera and retry

This table is based on real user reports from Arlo’s community forums and my own testing. I’ve used it more times than I’d like to admit!

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Arlo Camera Running Like New

So, how do you do a firmware update on Arlo camera? Now you know. It’s not magic—just a few simple steps that take minutes, not hours. And the payoff? A camera that works better, lasts longer, and keeps your home safe.

I’ll be honest: I used to ignore updates. I thought, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But after one too many false alerts and frozen feeds, I started updating regularly. The difference was night and day. My Arlo Pro 3 now detects motion faster, the night vision is sharper, and I haven’t had a single dropout in months.

Here’s my final advice: Treat firmware updates like dental checkups. You don’t need them every day, but skipping them leads to bigger problems down the road. Set a reminder, keep your network strong, and let Arlo do what it does best—protect your home.

And remember: If you ever get stuck, Arlo’s customer support is actually helpful (a rarity in smart home tech). Don’t hesitate to reach out. You’ve got this. Your camera will thank you—and so will your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do a firmware update on Arlo camera?

To perform a firmware update on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account via a web browser. Navigate to “Settings” > “My Devices,” select your camera, and tap “Firmware Update” if an update is available. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Why is a firmware update for my Arlo camera important?

Regular Arlo camera firmware updates improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features to enhance security and functionality. Keeping your firmware up to date ensures your camera operates smoothly and remains protected against vulnerabilities.

Can I update my Arlo camera firmware automatically?

Yes, Arlo devices typically receive automatic firmware updates when connected to Wi-Fi and powered on. However, you can manually check for updates in the Arlo app under “Settings” > “My Devices” > “Firmware Update” to ensure you’re running the latest version.

How long does a firmware update on Arlo camera take?

An Arlo camera firmware update usually takes 5–10 minutes, depending on your internet speed and camera model. Keep your camera powered and within range of your Wi-Fi network during the update to avoid interruptions.

What should I do if my Arlo camera fails to update firmware?

If your Arlo camera firmware update fails, restart the camera and your router, then retry the update. If issues persist, check Arlo’s support site for troubleshooting tips or contact their customer support for assistance.

Is it safe to turn off my Arlo camera during a firmware update?

No, never turn off your Arlo camera during a firmware update, as this can corrupt the firmware and damage the device. Always let the update complete fully—your camera will restart automatically once it’s done.